Fungicidal mixtures

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a novel fungicidal composition comprising a fungicidally acceptable carrier and/or surface active agent together with, and synergistically effective amounts of  
     (a) at least one benzophenone of formula I  
                 
 
     wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , m and n have the meaning given;  
     at least one fungicidal active ingredient selected from the following groups (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E):  
     (A) an ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor;  
     (B) a strobilurine derivative,  
     (C) a melanin biosynthesis inhibitor;  
     (D) a compound selected from the group consisting of acibenzolar, benomyl, captan, carboxin, chlorothalonil, copper, cyprodinil, dinocap, dithianon, dimethomorph, dodine, ethirimol, famoxadone, fenpiclonil, fluazinam, mancozeb, metalaxyl, pyrifenox, sulfur, vinclozolin and  
     (E) an azolopyrimidine of formula II  
                 
 
      in which R 8 , R 9 , R 10 , R 11 , A, L and p have the meaning given;  
     and to a method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi at a locus which comprises applying synergistically effective amounts of (a) at least one benzophenones of formula I and (b) at least one fungicidal active ingredient selected from the groups (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) to the locus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fungicidal composition comprising a fungicidally acceptable carrier and/or surface active agent and synergistically effective amounts of

[0002] (a) at least one benzophenone of formula I

[0003]  wherein

[0004] R¹ represents a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkanoyloxy or alkoxy group; or a hydroxy group,

[0005] R² represents a halogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group, m is 0 or an integer of 1 to 3;

[0006] R³ independently represents a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl or alkoxy group or a nitro group;

[0007] R⁴ represents a halogen atom, a cyano, carboxy, hydroxy or nitro group or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl or amino group;

[0008] R⁵ represents an optionally substituted alkyl group;

[0009] R⁶ represents a halogen atom or a nitro group, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, aryloxy group;

[0010] n is 0 or 1; and

[0011] R⁷ independently represents a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy group;

[0012] (b) at least one fungicidally active ingredient selected from the following groups (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E):

[0013] (A) an ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor;

[0014] (B) a strobilurine derivative,

[0015] (C) a melanin biosynthesis inhibitor,

[0016] (D) a compound selected from the group consisting of acibenzolar, benomyl, captan, carboxin, chlorothalonil, copper, cyprodinil, dinocap, dithianon, dimethomorph, dodine, ethirimol, famoxadone, fenpiclonil, fluazinam, mancozeb, metalaxyl, pyrifenox, sulfur and vinclozolin, and

[0017] (E) an azolopyrimidine of formula II

[0018] in which

[0019] R⁸ and R⁹ each independently represent hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkadienyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, bicycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group, or

[0020] R⁸ and R⁹ together with the interjacent nitrogen atom represent an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring,

[0021] R¹⁰ represents hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group,

[0022] R¹¹ represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or an alkyl or alkoxy group,

[0023] L independently represents a halogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl or alkoxy group,

[0024] A represents N or CR¹², wherein R¹² has the meaning given for R¹⁰, and p is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5.

[0025] The fungicidal compounds of formula I to be used according to the present invention are known for example from U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,663.

[0026] The compounds of the classes (A), (B) and (D) are known from The Pesticide Manual 11 ^(th) edition 1997, Editor Clive Tomlin.

[0027] The class of melanin biosynthesis inhibitors (MBI) (C) are chemical compounds which are capable of diminishing the in-vivo synthesis of melanin by inhibiting any of the reductase and/or dehydratase enzymes which are responsible for converting tetrahydroxynaphthalene into dihydroxynaphthalene. This class of compounds includes the following known compounds: carpropamid, chlobenthiazione, diclocymet, pyroquilon, phthalide, tricyclazole and certain phenoxyamides, which are known for example from EP 0 262 393, in particular AC 382042 and Japanese patent application JP 5-9165-A.

[0028] The fungicidal compounds of formula II to be used according to the present invention are known for example from U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,996 and from International patent applications WO 98/46607 and WO 98/46608.

[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,663 suggests to combine fungicidal benzophenone derivatives with other fungicides such as 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol, benalaxyl, benomyl, captafol, captan, carbendazim, chlorothalonil, copper, cymoxanil, dichlofluanid, dichlone, difenoconazole, dimethomorph, diniconzole, dinocap, dithianon, fenpiclonil, fenpropiomorph, hymaxazol, imazalil, iprodione, isoprothiolane, kasugamycin, mancozeb, mepronil, mercuric oxide, oxadixyl, oxolinic acid, penconazole, propineb, pyrifenox, thiabendazole, thiram, tolclofos-methyl, triadimefon, triflumizole, triforine validamycin A, vinclozolin, zineb and ziram.

[0030] However, there is no hint that such mixtures show synergistic effects and can advantageously be used for controlling diseases such as wheat powdery mildew, wheat leaf rust and wheat Septoria leaf blotch, Botrytis diseases and others.

[0031] Surprisingly, a strong synergy between the compounds of formula I and the fungicidally active ingredients selected from the classes (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) as described above in greenhouse and field trials was found when these two compounds were in-tank mixed and when the activity of these mixtures was compared with that of the solo activity of each active ingredient.

[0032] A mixture of fungicides shows synergistic effect if the fungicidal activity of the mixture is larger than the sum of activities of the separately applied compounds. The expected fungicidal activity for a given mixture of two fungicides can also be calculated as follows (See Colby, S. R., “Calculating synergistic and antagonistic response of herbicide combinations”, Weeds 15, pp 20-22 (1967): $E = {X + Y - \frac{XY}{100}}$

[0033] Wherein

[0034] x is the efficacy in % compared with an untreated control upon treatment with a fungicidal active ingredient A at a dose rate a;

[0035] y is the efficacy in % compared with an untreated control upon treatment with a fungicidal active ingredient B at a dose rate b;

[0036] EE is the expected efficacy with a combination of fungicidal active ingredients A and B at a dose of a+b, respectively.

[0037] If the actual efficacy (E) exceeds the expected (calculated) one (EE), the mixture displays a synergistic effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0038] (b) The present invention includes a fungicidal composition comprising an acceptable carrier and/or surface active agent and synergistically effective amounts of at least one compound of formula I, and at least one fungicidal active ingredient selected from the following the following groups (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E):

[0039] (A) an ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor;

[0040] (B) a strobilurine derivative,

[0041] (C) a melanin biosynthesis inhibitor,

[0042] (D) a compound selected from the group consisting of acibenzolar (BION), benomyl, captan, carboxin, chlorothalonil, copper, cyprodinil, dinocap, dithianon, dimethomorph, dodine, ethirimol, famoxadone, fenpiclonil, fluazinam, mancozeb, metalaxyl, pyrifenox, sulfur and vinclozolin, and

[0043] (E) an azolopyrimidine of formula II.

[0044] The present invention also includes a method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi at a locus which comprises applying synergistically effective amounts of at least one benzophenone of formula I and at least one fungicidally active ingredient selected from the following classes (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) as defined above to the locus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Preferred compounds of formula I are benzophenones of formula IA,

[0046] Wherein

[0047] R¹ represents a halogen atom, a methyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy or hydroxy group, in particular a chlorine atom, a methyl or methoxy group;

[0048] R² represents a halogen atom, in particular a chlorine atom or a methyl group;

[0049] R³ represents a bromine or chlorine atom, a methyl, trifluoromethyl or nitro group, in particular a bromine atom;

[0050] R⁴ represents a methyl group;

[0051] R⁵ represents an alkyl group, in particular a methyl group;

[0052] R⁶ and R⁷ each independently represent an alkoxy group which may be substituted by a phenyl, alkylphenyl or halophenyl group, preferably C1-6 alkoxy being optionally substituted by a phenyl, methylphenyl or fluorophenyl group, in particular methoxy, benzyloxy and 2-fluorobenzyloxy; and n is 0 or 1.

[0053] Particularly preferred are the benzophenones selected from the group consisting of 6′-butoxy-2,6-dichloro-4′,5′-dimethoxy-2′-methylbenzophenone coded BP-1, 2,6-dichloro-4′,5′-dimethoxy-6′-(2-fluorobenzyloxy)-2′-methylbenzophenone coded BP-2, 6′-benzyloxy-4′,5′-dimethoxy-2,6-dimethyl-2′-methylbenzophenone coded BP-3; 5-bromo-2′,6-dimethyl-2,4′,5′, 6′-tetramethoxybenzophenone coded BP-4 and 2,6-dichloro-2′-methyl-4′,5′, 6′-trimethoxybenzophenone coded BP-5, most preferred is BP-4.

[0054] Preferred ergosterol biosynthesis inhibiotors of group (A) are selected from the group consisting of fenarimol, fenpropimorph, fenpropidine, spiroxamine and triforine.

[0055] Another group of ergosterol biosynthesis inhibiotors are azole derivatives of formulae IIIA and IIIB,

[0056] Wherein

[0057] E represents a linking group selected from the groups (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e):

[0058] In Which

[0059] X¹ represents an alkyl or an optionally substituted phenyl group;

[0060] X² and X³ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group;

[0061] X⁴ represents an alkyl or cyclopropylalkyl group;

[0062] X⁵ represents a hydroxy or cyano group;

[0063] X⁶ represents an optionally substituted phenyl group;

[0064] X⁷ represents a halogen atom;

[0065] q is 1, 2 or3; and

[0066] r is O or 2;

[0067] wherein X⁷ and q have the meaning given for formula IIIA, and

[0068] E represents a group of formula —N(X⁸)-(CH₂)_(s)—O—, in which X⁸ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and s is an integer from 1 to 6.

[0069] Particularly preferred azole derivatives of group (A) are selected from the group consisting of cyproconazole, epoxiconazole, flusilazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, tebuconazole, triadimefon and tridimenol. Most preferred are epoxiconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil and prochloraz.

[0070] Preferred strobilurine derivatives of group (B) are the compounds of formula IV,

[0071] Wherein

[0072] W represents N or CH;

[0073] B represents a —O—, —OCH₂—, a —CH₂O—, a pyrimid-4,6-dioxydiyl group or a group

[0074]  of formula

[0075] R¹² represents a C₁₋₄ alkyl group;

[0076] R¹³ represents a C₁₋₆ alkoxy or a C₁₋₆ alkylamino group;

[0077] R¹⁴ represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a cyano, a C₁₋₄ alkyl or a C₁₋₄ haloalkyl group; and

[0078] s is 0, 1 or 2;

[0079] in particular azoxystrobin, kresoxim methyl, trifloxystrobin or SSF126, most preferred azoxystrobin and kresoxim methyl.

[0080] Preferred melanin inhibitors of group (C) are selected from the group consisting of capropamid, chlobenthiazone, diclocymet, pyroquilon, phthalide, tricyclazole and a phenoxamide coded AC 382042, most preferred is AC 382042.

[0081] Preferred compounds of group (D) are selected from the group consisting of acibenzolar (BION), cyprodinil, dodine, ethirimol, famoxadone, fenpiclonil, fluazinam, mancozeb and metalaxyl.

[0082] Preferred azolopyrimidines of group (E) are the compounds of formula IIA,

[0083] Wherein

[0084] R⁸ represents a C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₈ haloalkyl group, in particular a straight-chained or branched C₃₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl or C₂₋₆ fluoroalkyl group, most preferred an isopropyl, 2-butyl, cyclopentyl, methallyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl or 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-2-yl group; and

[0085] R⁹ represents a hydrogen atom, or a C₁₋₈ alkyl group; most preferred a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group; or

[0086] R⁸ and R⁹ together form an optionally substituted alkylene group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms in the main chain, in which one CH₂ group may be replaced by O, S or NH, in particular a piperid-1-yl group being optionally substituted by a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, most preferred a 4-methylpiperid-1-yl group;

[0087] L¹, L² and L³ each independently represent a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁₋₄ alkoxy group, at least one of which represents a halogen atom, in particular wherein L¹ represents a fluorine atom, L² represents a hydrogen or fluorine atom or a methoxy group and L³ represents a fluorine or chlorine atom; and

[0088] Hal denotes a halogen atom, in particular a chlorine atom.

[0089] Particularly preferred are the azolopyrimidines of formula II selected from the group consisting of 5-chloro-6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-7-(cyclopropylamino)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine coded AP-1, 5-chloro-6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-7-(4-methylpiperid-1-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine coded AP-2, 5-chloro-6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-7-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine coded AP-3 and 5-chloro-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-7-[2-(1,1,1-trifluoro)propylamino]-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine coded AP-4, most preferred is AP-4.

[0090] A particularly preferred embodiment of this invention are compositions of three active ingredients which comprise one compound of formula I and two different compounds selected from the groups (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E), preferably one strobilurine compound selected from group (B) and one ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor of group (A), in particular kresoxim-methyl and epoxiconazole or kresoxim-methyl and fenpropimorph.

[0091] Another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention are compositions comprising one compound of formula I and two different compounds of group (D), in particular dimethomorph and mancozeb.

[0092] Preferred are co-formulations, comprising the following constituents:

[0093] a carrier;

[0094] at least one benzophenone of formula I,

[0095] at least one compound selected from the classes (A) through (E) as defined above;

[0096] optionally an adjuvant selected from the group consisting of polyalkoxylated alcohols, triglycerides and amines, in particular Synperonic 91-6, which is commercially available from Uniqema, formerly ICI Surfactants;

[0097] optionally a foam breaking agent.

[0098] The compound of formula I and the compound selected from the classes (A) through (E) as defined above are to be applied together, in synergistically effective amounts. These synergistic mixtures exhibit an extraordinary efficacy against a broad range of phytopathogenic fungi, in particular against fungi from the classes ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, oomycetes and deuteromycetes.

[0099] Therefore, they can be applied advantageously against a broad range of diseases in different crops. They may be applied as leaf, stem, root, into-water, seed dressing, nursery box or soil fungicides.

[0100] The mixture according to the invention may be preferably applied for controlling phytopathogenic fungi of the genera: Achlya, Alternaria, Balansia, Bipolaris, Blumeria, Botrytis, Cercospora, Cochliobolus, Curvularia, Cylindrocladium, Drechslera, Entyloma, Erysiphe, Fusarium, Gaeumannomyces, Gerlachia, Gibberella, Guignardia, Leptosphaeria, Magnaporthe, Mucor, Mycosphaerella, Myrothecium, Nigrospora, Peronospora, Phoma, Pseudoperonospora, Pseudocercosporella, Phytophthora, Puccinia, Pyrenophora, Pyricularia, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Rhizopus, Rhynchosporium, Sarocladium, Sclerophthora, Sclerotium, Septoria, Tilletia, Uncinula, Ustilago, Ustilaginoidea, and Venturia, in particular the species Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, Cercospora beticola, Septoria tritici, Erysiphe cichoracearum, Puccinia recondita and Pyrenophora teres.

[0101] The mixtures according to the invention are in particular applied for controlling the above phytopathogenic fungi on monocotylydoneous plants, such as barley and wheat, rice and turf grases or fruit crops such as pomefruits, stonefruits and vines as well as all kinds of vegetables and ornamentals.

[0102] The application rate of the compound of formula I according to this invention is usually in the range of 1 to 2000 grams of active ingredient (g a.i.) per hectare, with rates between 20-500 g a.i./ha often achieving satisfactory control. The optimal rate for a specific application will depend on the crop(s) under cultivation and the predominant species of infesting fungi, and readily may be determined by established biological tests known to those skilled in the art.

[0103] In general, the preferred application rate of the compounds of formula I is in the range of 10 to 500 g a.i./ha, preferably 20-300 g a.i./ha.

[0104] The optimal rate for the compound of group (b) including the classes (A) through (E) will, however, depend on the crop(s) under cultivation and the level of infestation by the fungus, and can readily be determined by established biological tests.

[0105] The ratio (by weight) of the compound of formula I to the fungicidal active ingredient of the classes (A) through (E) as defined above is as a rule, from 100: 1 to 1:100. The preferred ratio formula I:(A) through (E) may vary, e.g., from about 10:1 to about 1:10, in particular from about 5:1 to about 1:5, most preferred from 2:1 to 1:2.

[0106] In the three-ways-compositions according to the present invention, i.e. the compositions containing one compound of formula I and two different compounds selected from the classes (A) through (E), the preferred relative ratios (by weight) are as follows:

[0107] compound of formula I: 200 to 1, preferably 20 to 1

[0108] 1st compound of (A) to (E): 1 to 100, preferably 1 to 10

[0109] 2nd compound of (A) to (E): 1 to 100, preferably 1 to 10.

[0110] The active compounds can be co-formulated together in a suitable ratio according to the present invention, together with usual carriers or diluents and/or additives known in the art.

[0111] Accordingly the invention further provides a fungicidal composition which comprises a carrier and, as active ingredient, at least one compound of formula I as defined above and at least one fungicidal active ingredient selected from the classes (A) through (E) as defined above.

[0112] A method of making such a composition is also provided which comprises bringing the compound of formula I and the fungicidal active ingredient selected from the classes(A) through (E) as defined above into association with at least one carrier. It is also envisaged that different isomers or mixtures of isomers of formula I and/or the fungicidal active ingredient selected from the classes (A) through (E) may have different levels or spectra of activity and thus compositions may comprise individual isomers or mixtures of isomers.

[0113] A composition according to the invention preferably contains from 0.1% to 99.9%, preferably 0.2 to 80% by weight (w/w) of active ingredients.

[0114] A carrier in a composition according to the invention is any material with which the active ingredient is formulated to facilitate application to the locus to be treated, which may for example be a plant, seed, foliage, soil, or into the water where the plant grow, or to the roots or to facilitate storage, transport or handling. A carrier may be a solid or a liquid, including material which is normally a gas but which has been compressed to form a liquid.

[0115] The compositions may be manufactured into e.g. emulsion concentrates, solutions, oil in water emulsions, wettable powders, soluble powders, suspension concentrates, dusts, granules, water dispersible granules, tablets, micro-capsules, gels and other formulation types by well-established procedures. These procedures include intensive mixing and/or milling of the active ingredients with other substances, such as fillers, solvents, solid carriers, surface active compounds (surfactants), and optionally solid and/or liquid auxilaries and/or adjuvants. The form of application such as spraying, atomizing, dispersing or pouring may be chosen like the compositions according to the desired objectives and the given circumstances.

[0116] Solvents may be aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. Solvesso® 200, substituted naphthalenes, phthalic acid esters, such as dibutyl or dioctyl phthalate, aliphatic hydrocarbons, e.g. cyclohexane or paraffins, alcohols and glycols as well as their ethers and esters, e.g. ethanol, ethyleneglycol mono- and dimethyl ether, ketones such as cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, or γ-butyrolactone, higher N-alkylpyrrolidones, e.g. N-octylpyrrolidone or N-cyclohexylpyrrolidone, epoxidized plant oil esters, e.g. methylated coconut or soybean oil ester and water. Mixtures of different liquids are often suitable.

[0117] Solid carriers, which may be used for dusts, wettable powders, water dispersible granules, or granules, may be mineral fillers, such as calcite, talc, kaolin, montmorillonite or attapulgite or others. The physical properties may be improved by addition of highly dispersed silica gel or polymers. Carriers for granules may be porous material, e.g. pumice, kaolin, sepiolite, bentonite; non-sorptive carriers may be calcite or sand or others. Additionally, a multitude of pre-granulated inorganic or organic materials may be used, such as dolomite or crushed plant residues.

[0118] Pesticidal compositions are often formulated and transported in a concentrated form which is subsequently diluted by the user before application. The presence of small amounts of a carrier which is a surfactant facilitates this process of dilution. Thus, preferably at least one carrier in a composition according to the invention is a surfactant. For example, the composition may contain at two or more carriers, at least one of which is a surfactant.

[0119] Surfactants may be nonionic, anionic, cationic or zwitterionic substances with good dispersing, emulsifying and wetting properties depending on the nature of the compound according to general formula I to be formulated. Surfactants may also mean mixtures of individual surfactants.

[0120] The compositions of the invention may for example be formulated as wettable powders, water dispersible granules, dusts, granules, solutions, emulsifiable concentrates, emulsions, suspension concentrates and aerosols. Wettable powders usually contain 5 to 90% w/w of active ingredient and usually contain in addition to solid inert carrier, 3 to 10% w/w of dispersing and wetting agents and, where necessary, 0 to 10% w/w of stabilizer(s) and/or other additives such as penetrants or stickers. Dusts are usually formulated as a dust concentrate having a similar composition to that of a wettable powder but without a dispersant, and may be diluted in the field with further solid carrier to give a composition usually containing 0.5 to 10% w/w of active ingredient. Water dispersible granules and granules are usually prepared to have a size between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm and may be manufactured by a variety of techniques. Generally, these types of granules will contain 0.5 to 90% w/w active ingredient and 0 to 20% w/w of additives such as stabilizer, surfactants, slow release modifiers and binding agents. The so-called “dry flowables” consist of relatively small granules having a relatively high concentration of active ingredient. Emulsifiable concentrates usually contain, in addition to a solvent or a mixture of solvents, 1 to 80% w/v active ingredient, 2 to 20% w/v emulsifiers and 0 to 20% w/v of other additives such as stabilizers, penetrants and corrosion inhibitors. Suspension concentrates are usually milled so as to obtain a stable, non-sedimenting flowable product and usually contain 5 to 75% w/v active ingredient, 0.5 to 15% w/v of dispersing agents, 0.1 to 10% w/v of suspending agents such as protective colloids and thixotropic agents, 0 to 10% w/v of other additives such as defoamers, corrosion inhibitors, stabilizers, penetrants and stickers, and water or an organic liquid in which the active ingredient is substantially insoluble; certain organic solids or inorganic salts may be present dissolved in the formulation to assist in preventing sedimentation and crystalization or as antifreeze agents for water.

[0121] Aqueous dispersions and emulsions, for example compositions obtained by diluting the formulated product according to the invention with water, also lie within the scope of the invention.

[0122] Of particular interest in enhancing the duration of the protective activity of the compounds of this invention is the use of a carrier which will provide slow release of the pesticidal compounds into the environment of a plant which is to be protected.

[0123] The biological activity of the active ingredient can also be increased by including an adjuvant in the formulation or the spray dilution. An adjuvant is defined here as a substance which can increase the biological activity of an active ingredient but is not itself significantly biologically active. The adjuvant can either be included in the formulation as a coformulant or carrier, or can be added to the spray tank together with the formulation containing the active ingredient.

[0124] As a commodity the compositions may preferably be in a concentrated form whereas the end user generally employs diluted compositions. The compositions may be diluted to a concentration down to 0.001% of active ingredient. The doses usually are in the range from 0.01 to 10 kg a.i./ha.

[0125] Examples of formulations which can be used according to the invention are: SC-I 1 active ingredient BP-1 100.0 g Dispersing agent Motwet D425¹⁾  25.0 g Dispersing agent Pluronic ® PE10500²⁾  5.0 g Antifoaming agent Rhodorsil ® 426R³⁾  1.5 g Dispersing agent Rhodopol ® 23³⁾  2.0 g Antifreezing agent Propylene glycol  80.0 g Biocidal agent Proxel ® GXL⁴⁾  1.0 g Water to 1000 ml SC-I 2 active ingredient BP-4 100.0 g Dispersing agent Soprophor ® FL³⁾  30.0 g Antifoaming agent Rhodorsil ® 426R³⁾  1.5 g Dispersing agent Rhodopol ® 23³⁾  2.0 g Antifreezing agent Propylene glycol  80.0 g Biocidal agent Proxel ® GXL⁴⁾  1.0 g Water to 1000 ml SC-A-E active ingredient fungicide selected from classes 200.0 g (A) through (E) Dispersing agent Soprophor ® FL³⁾  25.0 g Antifoaming agent Rhodorsil ® 426R³⁾  1.5 g Dispersing agent Rhodopol ® 23³⁾  2.0 g Antifreezing agent Propylene glycol  80.0 g Biocidal agent Proxel ® GXL⁴⁾  1.0 g Water to 1000 ml SC-I + A-E active ingredient BP-4  60.0 g active ingredient fungicide selected from classes 120.0 g (A) through (E) Dispersing agent Soprophor ® FL³⁾  25.0 g Antifoaming agent Rhodorsil ® 426R³⁾  1.5 g Dispersing agent Rhodopol ® 23³⁾  2.0 g Antifreezing agent Propylene glycol  80.0 g Biocidal agent Proxel ® GXL⁴⁾  1.0 g Water to 1000 ml DC-I 1 active ingredient BP-4 100.0 g Wetting agent Pluronic ® PE6400²⁾  50.0 g Dispersing agent Lutensol ® TO 12²⁾  50.0 g Solvent benzyl alcohol to 1000 ml

[0126] (i) a containment which comprises at least one benzophenone of formula I, in particular one or more compounds selected from BP-1 through BP-4, conventional carriers and optionally adjuvants;

[0127] (ii) a containment which comprises at least one active ingredient selected from the classes (A) through (E).

[0128] In a preferred embodiment the said kit will consist of two bottles with dispensing means which allow the easy and correct addition of the active ingredients (a) and (b) to the tank mix.

[0129] The formulation SC-I+A-E comprising BP-4 and a fungicidal active ingredient selected from the classes (A) through (E) as defined above can be used directly for preparing the tank mix according to the present invention.

[0130] A composition according to the invention preferably contains from 0.5% to 95% by weight of active ingredients.

[0131] As commodity the compositions may preferably be in a concentrated form whereas the end-user generally employs diluted compositions. The compositions may be diluted down to a concentration of 0.0001% of active ingredients.

[0132] The compositions of this invention can be applied to the plants or their environment simultaneous with or in succession with other active substances. These other active substances can be either fertilizers, agents which donate trace elements or other preparations which influence plant growth. However, they can also be other fungicides, selective herbicides, insecticides, bactericides, nematicides, algicides, molluscidides, rodenticides, virucides, compounds inducing resistance into plants, biological control agents such as viruses, bacteria, nematodes, fungi and other microorganisms, repellents of birds and animals, and plant growth regulators, or mixtures of several of these preparations, if appropriate together with other carrier substances conventionally used in the art of formulation, surfactants or other additives which promote application.

[0133] Examples of insecticidal compounds are alpha-cypermethrin, benfuracarb, BPMC, buprofezine, carbosulfan, cartap, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, cycloprothrin, cypermethrin, esfenvalerate, ethofenprox, fenpropathrin, flucythrinate, flufenoxuron, hydramethylnon, imidacloprid, isoxathion, MEP, MPP, nitenpyram, PAP, permethrin, propaphos, pymetrozine, silafluofen, tebufenozide, teflubenzuron, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos and triazamate.

[0134] Examples of biological control agents are: Bacillus thuringiensis, Verticillium lecanii, Autographica californica NPV, Beauvaria bassiana, Ampelomyces quisqualis, Bacilis subtilis, Pseudomonas cholororaphis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Steptomyces griseoviridis and Trichoderma harzianum.

[0135] Examples of chemical agents that induce systemic acquired resistance in plants such are: isonicotinic acid or derivatives thereof, 2,2-dichloro-3,3-dimethylcyclopropylcarboxylic acid.

[0136] The present invention is of wide applicability in the protection of crops, trees, residential and ornamental plants against fungal attack. Preferred crops are cereals, such as wheat and barley, rice as well as vines and apples. The duration of the protection is normally dependent on the individual compound selected, and also a variety of external factors, such as climate, whose impact is normally mitigated by the use of a suitable formulation.

[0137] The following examples further illustrate the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited solely to the particular examples given below.

EXAMPLES

[0138] General Methods

[0139] The trials are carried out under greenhouse (Examples 1 to 18) or field conditions (Example 19) in residual or curative applications. The fungicides are applied in single treatments, or in a combination comprising a benzophenone of formula I and a compound selected from the classes (A) through (E) as defined above. The compounds are applied in form of an aqueous spray mix obtained from concentrated formulation or the technical material.

[0140] I. Cereals and Dicots—Greenhouse

[0141] 1. Seed is planted in 6 cm diameter plastic pots and maintained in the greenhouse.

[0142] 2. When the primary leaf is fully expanded in the case of cereals or several leaves are present in the case of dicots, formulated test compounds are sprayed with a three nozzle overhead fungicide sprayer to near run-off. Alternatively, a single nozzle overhead track sprayer is used for application of the compounds to cereals at a rate of 200 l/ha. Plants are then allowed to air-dry.

[0143] 3. Inoculation precedes treatment in the case of curative evaluations and follows treatment in case of residual evaluations. For inoculation of powdery mildew disease, plants are set up on greenhouse benches with bottom watering mats and inoculated by dusting them with conidia from infected plants. Between inoculation and treatment for curative evaluations and between treatment and inoculation for residual evaluations, plants are maintained in the greenhouse with bottom watering. For inoculation of non-powdery mildew diseases, an aqueous spore suspension of the pathogen is applied to the plant and the plants are kept 1-2 days in a moist infection chamber before being returned to the greenhouse where they are maintained by bottom watering.

[0144] 4. Disease on the foliage as percent leaf area with disease symptoms/signs is evaluated about 7 days after inoculation. In the case of wheat, the tips and bases of the leaves are excluded from the evaluation. ${\% \quad {disease}\quad {control}} = {100 - {\frac{\% \quad {disease}\quad {in}\quad {treated}\quad {plants}}{\% \quad {disease}\quad {in}\quad {untreated}\quad {plants}} \times 100\%}}$

[0145] Formulation, Reference Compounds and Controls

[0146] 1. Technical compounds are formulated in a solvent/surfactant system consisting of 5% acetone and 0.05% Tween 20 in deionized water. Compounds are dissolved in acetone prior to addition of the water; the Tween 20 can be added through either the acetone or the water. Dilutions are made using the solvent/surfactant system. Formulated compounds are prepared using deionized water.

[0147] 2. Two kinds of controls are included:

[0148] Plants treated with the solvent/surfactant solution and inoculated (Solvent Blank).

[0149] Untreated plants which are inoculated (Inoculated Control). For the field study formulated benzophenones BP-1 through BP-4 and formulated compounds from the classes (A) through (E) were used.

[0150] Evaluation of the Disease

[0151] Assessments of the diseases took place at the indicated day after the application of the compounds. Per cent infected leaf area infected was evaluated. The efficacy of the compounds/compounds mixtures to control the diseases was calculated by using the formula given above under item 4:

[0152] II. Apple Fruit Botrytis

[0153] 1. Apples (Malus X domestica Borkh.) variety “Golden Delicious” are disinfected by washing them briefly in 70% ethanol. After drying the apples are marked with four short equal-distant lines indicating the positions to be wounded.

[0154] 2. Corresponding with the marks, four holes are poked around the apple equator with a pipette tip. 10 μl of the treatment solution are pipetted into each hole.

[0155] 3. Three hours after application, 10 μl of a conidial suspension of Botrytis cinerea are pipetted into each hole. For incubation, the treated/inoculated apples are stored for five days.

[0156] 4. Disease occurs as rotten apple tissue surrounding the inoculated wounds.

[0157] The diameter of the rotten zone around each wound is measured.

[0158] Formulation, Reference Compounds and Controls: 1.

[0159] Technical compounds are formulated in a solvent system consisting of 5% acetone and 0.05% Tween 20 in deionized water.

[0160] Compounds are dissolved in acetone prior to dilution with water.

[0161] Formulated compounds are prepared using deionized water.

[0162] 2. Three kinds of controls are included:

[0163] Apples treated with the solvent solution and inoculated (Solvent Blank).

[0164] Untreated apples which are inoculated (Inoculated Control).

[0165] Untreated apples which are not inoculated (Uninoculated Control).

[0166] Evaluation of the Disease:

[0167] Assessments of the diseases took place at the indicated day after the application of the compounds. Per cent infected leaf area infected was evaluated. The efficacy of the compounds/compounds mixtures to control the diseases was calculated by using the formula: ${\% \quad {disease}\quad {control}} = {100 - {\frac{{mean}\quad {of}\quad {diameters}\quad {on}\quad {treated}\quad {apples}}{{mean}\quad {of}\quad {diameters}\quad {on}\quad {untreated}\quad {apples}} \times 100\%}}$

[0168] Determination of Synergy

[0169] Synergy was calculated using the % disease control values of specific treatments for the two COLBY formula given hereinabove

[0170] III. Field Tests

[0171] The compounds are applied according to good agricultural practice in form of an aqueous spray mix obtained from concentrated formulation or the technical material at a rate of 400 l/ha. The disease control is evaluated according to the formula given for the greenhouse tests.

[0172] A Greenhouse Tests

Example 1

[0173] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-1+AP-1 (4 day curative) against Erysiphe graminis on wheat

[0174] The tank mix was obtained from technical materials of BP-1 and AP-1. The observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table I: TABLE I dose rate (ppm) BP-1 AP-1 Observed Efficacy Expected Efficacy 125 0 42 — 25 0 1 — 0 125 0 — 0 25 0 — 125 125 56 42 125 25 54 42 25 125 21 1 25 25 4 1

Example 2

[0175] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-1+AP-2 (4 day curative) against Erysiphe graminis on wheat

[0176] The tank mix was obtained from technical materials of BP-1 and AP-2. The observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table II: TABLE II dose rate (ppm) BP-1 AP-2 Observed Efficacy Expected Efficacy 125 0 42 — 125 0 42 — 25 0 1 — 0 125 8 — 0 25 0 — 125 125 67 47 125 25 73 42 25 125 20 9 25 25 9 1

Example 3

[0177] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-1+triadimefon (4 day curative) against Erysiphe graminis on wheat

[0178] The tank mix was obtained from technical material of BP-1 and a wettable powder formulation containing 250 g/kg triadimefon. The observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table III: TABLE III dose rate (ppm) BP-1 triadimefon Observed Efficacy Expected Efficacy 125 0 42 — 25 0 1 — 0 125 30 — 0 25 12 — 125 125 85 59 125 25 56 49 25 125 41 31 25 25 6 13

Example 4

[0179] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-5+triforine (3 day protective) against Erysiphe graminis on wheat

[0180] The tank mix was obtained from technical material of BP-5 and an EC formulation containing 190 g/l triforine. The observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table IV: TABLE IV dose rate (ppm) BP-5 triforine Observed Efficacy Expected Efficacy 25 0 31 — 5 0 12 — 0 125 12 — 25 125 59 41 5 25 26 24

Example 5

[0181] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-1+triadimefon (3 day protective) against Erysiphe graminis on wheat

[0182] The tank mix was obtained from technical material of BP-1 and a wettable powder formulation containing 250 g/kg triadimefon. The observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table V: TABLE V dose rate (ppm) BP-1 triadimefon Observed Efficacy Expected Efficacy 5 0 78 — 1 0 44 0 25 24 — 5 25 90 83 1 25 78 57

Example 6

[0183] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Erysiphe cichoracearum on cucumbers

[0184] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table VI: TABLE VI dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 64 100 16 51 4 6 1 1 Dithianon WG 700 g/kg 256 0 64 0 16 0 4 0 Cyprodinil TC 100 % 256 15 64 0 16 0 4 0 Triforine EC 190 g/l 256 96 64 79 16 44 4 1 Fenpropidin EC 750 g/l 256 69 64 21 16 6 4 0 Mancozeb WP 800 g/kg 256 33 64 1 16 0 4 0 Quinoxyfen TC 100% 256 100 64 100 16 100 4 90 Chlorothalonil SC 500 g/l 256 1 64 0 16 0 4 0 Ethirimol SC 280 g/l 256 100 64 94 16 83 4 50 Dimethomorph TC 100% 256 18 64 0 16 0 4 0 BION WG 500 g/kg 256 0 64 0 16 0 4 0 Azoxystrobin TC 100% 256 100 64 100 16 96 4 78 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Dithianon 16 + 64 73 51 4 + 16 31 6 1 + 4 29 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 92 100 Cyprodinil 16 + 64 59 51 4 + 16 51 6 1 + 4 32 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Triforine 16 + 64 99 90 4 + 16 65 47 1 + 4 31 3 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Fenpropidin 16 + 64 96 61 4 + 16 60 12 1 + 4 56 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Mancozeb 16 + 64 99 52 4 + 16 54 6 1 + 4 38 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Quinoxyfen 16 + 64 100 100 4 + 16 100 100 1 + 4 100 91 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Chlorothalonil 16 + 64 99 51 4 + 16 22 6 1 + 4 14 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Ethirimol 16 + 64 100 97 4 + 16 85 84 1 + 4 53 51 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Dimethomorph 16 + 64 99 51 4 + 16 37 6 1 + 4 10 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 BION 16 + 64 53 51 4 + 16 12 6 1 + 4 1 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 256 100 100 Azoxystrobin 16 + 64 100 100 4 + 16 99 96 1 + 4 92 78

Example 7

[0185] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Puccinia recondita on wheat

[0186] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table VII: TABLE VII dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 256 13 64 0 16 0 4 0 Dithianon WG 700 g/kg 256 95 64 84 16 16 4 4 Cyprodinil TC 100% 256 0 64 0 16 0 4 0 Triforine EC 190 g/l 256 100 64 90 16 7 4 0 Fenpropidin EC 750 g/l 256 97 64 8 16 0 4 0 Mancozeb WP 800 g/kg 256 91 64 28 16 0 4 0 Quinoxyfen TC 100% 256 0 64 0 16 0 4 0 Chlorothalonil SC 500 g/l 256 31 64 0 16 0 4 0 Ethirimol SC 280 g/l 256 0 64 0 16 0 Dimethomorph TC 100% 256 0 64 0 16 0 BION WG 500 g/kg 256 0 64 0 16 0 4 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 100 95 Dithianon 64 + 64 100 84 16 + 16 100 16 4 + 4 100 4 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 100 13 Cyprodinil 64 + 64 100 0 16 + 16 100 0 4 + 4 100 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 100 100 Triforine 64 + 64 100 90 16 + 16 100 7 4 + 4 100 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 100 97 Fenpropidin 64 + 64 96 8 16 + 16 93 0 4 + 4 91 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 100 92 Mancozeb 64 + 64 97 28 16 + 16 94 0 4 + 4 92 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 89 13 Quinoxyfen 64 + 64 96 0 16 + 16 95 0 4 + 4 93 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 100 40 Chlorothalonil 64 + 64 36 0 16 + 16 40 0 4 + 4 9 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 96 13 Ethirimol 64 + 64 96 0 16 + 16 64 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 54 13 Dimethomorph 64 + 64 28 0 16 + 16 6 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 75 13 BION 64 + 64 78 0 16 + 16 64 0 4 + 4 59 0

Example 8

[0187] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Leptosphaeria nodorum on wheat

[0188] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table VIII: TABLE VIII dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 256 34 64 14 16 0 4 0 Dithianon WG 700 g/kg 256 74 64 37 16 1 4 0 Cyprodinil TC 100% 256 93 64 88 16 75 4 0 Triforine EC 190 g/l 256 85 64 51 16 31 4 4 1 0 Fenpropidin EC 750 g/l 256 21 64 0 Mancozeb WP 800 g/kg 256 69 64 47 16 21 4 0 Quinoxyfen TC 100% 256 18 64 0 16 1 Dimethomorph TC 100% 256 14 64 11 16 6 4 1 Azoxystrobin TC 100% 256 100 64 100 16 97 4 84 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 90 83 Dithianon 64 + 64 65 46 16 + 16 27 1 4 + 4 4 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 97 96 Cyprodinil 64 + 64 92 90 16 + 16 80 75 4 + 4 57 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 97 90 Triforine 64 + 64 84 58 16 + 16 47 31 4 + 4 32 4 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 42 48 Fenpropidin 64 + 64 21 14 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 87 79 Mancozeb 64 + 64 65 55 16 + 16 32 21 4 + 4 8 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 62 46 Quinoxyfen 64 + 64 34 14 16 + 16 8 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 84 43 CL336 370 64 + 64 65 24 Dimethomorph 16 + 16 31 6 4 + 4 14 1 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 100 100 Azoxystrobin 64 + 64 100 100 16 + 16 98 97 4 + 4 95 84

Example 9

[0189] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Puccinia recondita on wheat

[0190] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table IX: TABLE IX dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 256 38 64 16 16 4 4 6 Captan WP 500 g/kg 256 89 64 55 16 11 4 4 Fluazinam SC 500 g/l 256 80 64 22 16 6 4 0 Metalaxyl TC 100% 256 12 64 0 Fenpiclonil TC 100% 256 58 64 18 16 0 4 1 Famoxadone TC 100% 64 92 16 80 4 45 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 95 93 Captan 64 + 64 65 62 16 + 16 30 15 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 97 88 Fluazinam 64 + 64 53 35 16 + 16 20 10 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 61 46 Metalaxyl 64 + 64 19 16 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 81 74 Fenpiclonil 64 + 64 54 31 16 + 16 12 4 4 + 4 7 7 BP-4 + Tankmix 64 + 64 93 93 Famoxadone 16 + 16 83 81 4 + 4 60 48

Example 10

[0191] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Leptosphaeria nodorum on wheat

[0192] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table X: TABLE X dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 256 44 64 18 16 10 4 0 Dodine WP 650 g/kg 256 59 64 24 16 6 4 0 Captan WP 500 g/kg 256 90 64 84 Fluazinam SC 500 g/l 256 91 64 81 Famoxadone TC 100% 256 97 64 80 16 69 4 66 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 75 77 Dodine 64 + 64 57 38 16 + 16 29 15 4 + 4 10 0 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 96 94 Captan 64 + 64 93 87 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 95 95 Fluazinam 64 + 64 91 84 BP-4 + Tankmix 256 + 256 94 98 Famoxadone 64 + 64 89 84 16 + 16 86 72 4 + 4 67 66

Example 11

[0193] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Erysiphe cichoracearum on cucumbers

[0194] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table XI: TABLE XI dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 50 96 10 55 2 2 0.4 0 Sulfur inorganic TC 100% 50 0 10 7 2 0 0.4 0 Propiconazole EC 250 g/l 50 96 10 76 2 19 0.4 0 Epoxiconazole SC 125 g/l 50 77 10 68 2 46 0.4 0 Tebuconazole EC 250 g/l 50 95 10 79 2 45 0.4 10 Metconazole SL 60 g/l 50 99 10 75 0.4 2 Myclobutanil WP 60 g/kg 50 96 10 73 2 52 0.4 36 Kresoxim- WG 500 g/kg 50 100 methyl 10 88 2 14 0.4 2 AC 382042 TC 100% 50 25 10 14 2 3 0.4 7 BRIO SE 450 g/l 50 96 Epoxiconazole/ (150 g/l)/ 10 48 Fenpropimorph (300 g/l) ACROBAT MZ WP 690 g/kg 50 57 Dimethomorph/ (90 g/kg)/ 10 30 Mancozeb (600 g/kg) 2 0 0.4 0 JUWEL SC 250 g/l 50 100 Kresoxim-methyl/ (125 g/l)/ 10 98 Epoxiconazole. (125 g/l) 2 71 0.4 37 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 92 96 Sulfur inorganic 10 + 10 70 58 2 + 2 10 2 0.4 + 0.4 9 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 100 Propiconazole 10 + 10 100 89 2 + 2 61 21 0.4 + 0.4 28 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 99 Epoxiconazole 10 + 10 98 86 2 + 2 71 47 0.4 + 0.4 41 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 100 Tebuconazole 10 + 10 98 91 2 + 2 48 45 0.4 + 0.4 28 10 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 100 Metconazole 10 + 10 97 89 0.4 + 0.4 5 2 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 100 Myclobutanil 10 + 10 99 88 2 + 2 75 52 0.4 + 0.4 55 36 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 100 Kresoxim- 10 + 10 100 95 methyl 2 + 2 37 15 0.4 + 0.4 2 2 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 97 AC 382042 10 + 10 87 62 2 + 2 28 5 0.4 + 0.4 25 7 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 100 BRIO 10 + 10 85 77 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 98 ACROBAT MZ 10 + 10 89 69 2 + 2 45 2 0.4 + 0.4 7 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 100 JUWEL 10 + 10 98 99 2 + 2 84 72 0.4 + 0.4 50 37

Example 12

[0195] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+Myclobutanil (4 day residual) against Puccinia recondita on wheat

[0196] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and Myclobutanil. The type of formulation, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table XII: TABLE XII dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 50 31 10 10 2 7 0.4 2 Myclobutanil WP 60 g/kg 50 99 10 72 2 52 0.4 13 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 99 99 Myclobutanil 10 + 10 86 75 2 + 2 65 55 0.4 + 0.4 48 14

Example 13

[0197] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Pyrenophora teres on barley

[0198] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table XIII: TABLE XIII dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 50 58 10 34 2 0 0.4 0 Sulfur inorganic TC 100% 10 0 2 0 Copper WP 450 g/kg 50 14 oxychloride 10 14 2 0 0.4 0 Propiconazole EC 250 g/l 50 74 10 38 2 0 0.4 0 Metconazole SL 60 g/l 10 47 0.4 0 Myclobutanil WP 60 g/kg 50 82 10 40 2 21 0.4 0 Kresoxim- WG 500 g/kg 2 21 methyl 0.4 0 ACROBAT MZ WP 690 g/kg 50 47 Dimethomorph/ 10 23 Mancozeb 2 12 0.4 0 JUWEL SC 250 g/l 50 89 Kresoxim- 10 62 methyl/ 2 45 Epoxiconazole 0.4 5 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 49 34 Sulfur inorganic 2 + 2 0 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 78 64 Copper 10 + 10 54 43 oxychloride 2 + 2 38 0 0.4 + 0.4 0 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 89 89 Propiconazole 10 + 10 78 59 2 + 2 32 0 0.4 + 0.4 0 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 89 86 Tebuconazole 2 + 2 14 5 0.4 + 0.4 0 0 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 69 65 Metconazole 2 + 2 25 32 0.4 + 0.4 18 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 91 93 Myclobutanil 10 + 10 67 61 2 + 2 40 21 0.4 + 0.4 7 0 BP-4 Tankmix 2 + 2 67 21 Kresoxim-methyl 0.4 + 0.4 36 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 85 78 ACROBAT MZ 10 + 10 60 49 2 + 2 29 12 0.4 + 0.4 0 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 95 JUWEL 10 + 10 78 75 2 + 2 49 45 0.4 + 0.4 40 5

Example 14

[0199] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Erysiphe cichoracearum on cucumbers

[0200] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table XIV: TABLE XIV dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 50 97 10 13 2 0 0.4 0 Cyproconazole SL 100 g/l 10 68 0.4 19 Dinocap WP 190 g/kg 10 0 2 0 0.4 0 Fenarimol SC 125 g/l 50 67 10 42 2 34 0.4 5 Fenpropimorph EC 750 g/l 10 7 2 0 0.4 0 Flusilazole WP 200 g/kg 50 38 10 19 2 0 0.4 0 Penconazole EC 100 g/l 50 67 10 37 2 35 0.4 6 Prochloraz EC 400 g/l 50 18 10 1 2 0 0.4 0 Pyrifenox WP 500 g/kg 50 20 10 1 2 0 0.4 0 Triadimefon WP 250 g/kg 50 47 10 23 2 6 0.4 0 Triadimenol EC 250 g/l 50 68 10 45 2 21 0.4 1 Spiroxamine EC 500 g/l 10 2 2 0 0.4 0 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 84 72 Cyproconazole 0.4 + 0.4 23 19 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 96 98 Dinocap 10 + 10 30 13 2 + 2 2 0 0.4 + 0.4 2 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 99 Fenarimol 10 + 10 92 49 2 + 2 49 34 0.4 + 0.4 19 5 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 43 19 Fenpropimorph 2 + 2 6 0 0.4 + 0.4 2 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 98 Flusilazole 10 + 10 57 29 2 + 2 14 0 0.4 + 0.4 1 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 99 Penconazole 10 + 10 96 45 2 + 2 66 35 0.4 + 0.4 23 6 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 98 Prochloraz 10 + 10 71 13 2 + 2 11 0 0.4 + 0.4 7 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 98 Pyrifenox 10 + 10 56 13 2 + 2 7 0 0.4 + 0.4 4 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 99 99 Triadimefon 10 + 10 39 32 2 + 2 15 6 0.4 + 0.4 2 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 99 Triadimenol 10 + 10 78 52 2 + 2 30 21 0.4 + 0.4 9 1 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 37 15 Spiroxamine 2 + 2 10 0 0.4 + 0.4 2 0

Example 15

[0201] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Puccinia recondita on wheat

[0202] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table XV: TABLE XV dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 50 12 10 6 2 0 0.4 0 Cyproconazole SL 100 g/l 2 99 0.4 88 Dinocap WP 190 g/kg 50 54 10 23 2 13 0.4 4 Fenarimol SC 125 g/l 50 90 10 23 2 9 0.4 0 Fenpropimorph EC 750 g/l 50 60 2 15 0.4 2 Flusilazole WP 200 g/kg 50 100 2 28 0.4 5 Penconazole EC 100 g/l 50 26 10 10 2 3 0.4 0 Prochloraz EC 400 g/l 50 14 10 1 2 0 0.4 0 Pyrifenox WP 500 g/kg 50 6 10 1 2 0 0.4 0 Triadimenol EC 250 g/l 50 98 10 69 2 21 0.4 1 Spiroxamine EC 500 g/l 50 17 10 4 2 0 BP-4 Tankmix 2 + 2 100 99 Cyproconazole 0.4 + 0.4 92 88 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 61 60 Dinocap 10 + 10 38 28 2 + 2 26 13 0.4 + 0.4 10 4 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 99 91 Fenarimol 10 + 10 52 28 2 + 2 15 9 0.4 + 0.4 12 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 84 65 Fenpropimorph 2 + 2 19 15 0.4 + 0.4 13 2 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 100 100 Flusilazole 2 + 2 55 28 0.4 + 0.4 14 5 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 78 35 Penconazole 10 + 10 19 16 2 + 2 7 3 0.4 + 0.4 4 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 34 25 Prochloraz 10 + 10 12 7 2 + 2 4 0 0.4 + 0.4 0 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 31 18 Pyrifenox 10 + 10 15 7 2 + 2 5 0 0.4 + 0.4 4 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 98 98 Triadimenol 10 + 10 89 71 2 + 2 39 21 0.4 + 0.4 10 1 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 40 27 Spiroxamine 10 + 10 11 10 2 + 2 3 0

Example 16

[0203] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+other fungicides (4 day residual) against Pyrenophora teres on barley

[0204] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and different formulations of different active ingredients. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table XVI: TABLE XVI dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 50 11 10 0 2 0 0.4 0 Cyproconazole SL 100 g/l 10 1 2 4 Dinocap WP 190 g/kg 50 22 10 5 2 0 0.4 0 Fenarimol SC 125 g/l 10 4 2 0 Fenpropimorph EC 750 g/l 10 3 2 0 0.4 0 Flusilazole WP 200 g/kg 50 48 10 26 2 8 Prochloraz EC 400 g/l 10 48 2 19 0.4 8 Pyrifenox WP 500 g/kg 50 15 10 8 10 1 2 0 0.4 0 Spiroxamine EC 500 g/l 50 16 10 5 2 3 0.4 0 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 9 1 Cyproconazole 2 + 2 10 4 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 29 31 Dinocap 10 + 10 15 5 2 + 2 5 0 0.4 + 0.4 9 0 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 6 4 Fenarimol 2 + 2 1 0 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 4 3 Fenpropimorph 2 + 2 5 0 0.4 + 0.4 5 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 70 54 Flusilazole 10 + 10 49 26 2 + 2 26 8 BP-4 Tankmix 10 + 10 49 48 Prochloraz 2 + 2 30 19 0.4 + 0.4 19 8 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 26 25 Pyrifenox 10 + 10 10 8 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 29 20 Triadimefon 10 + 10 10 5 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 46 21 Triadimenol 10 + 10 19 1 2 + 2 3 0 0.4 + 0.4 1 0 BP-4 Tankmix 50 + 50 43 26 Spiroxamine 10 + 10 24 5 2 + 2 6 3 0.4 + 0.4 3 0

Example 17

[0205] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of different benzophenones+metconazole (2 day curative) against Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici on wheat

[0206] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of the benzophenones BP-2 and BP-4 and metconazole. The benzophenones, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table XVII: TABLE XVII dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-2 EC 100 g/l 54 67 18 25 6 18 2 13 0.67 4 BP-4 TC 100% 54 92 18 78 6 42 2 27 0.67 9 Metconazole EC 100 g/L 27 40 9 14 3 7 1 2 0.33 0 BP-2 Tankmix 27 + 54 90 80 Metconazole  9 + 18 67 35 3 + 6 46 23 1 + 2 22 12 0.33 + 0.67 9 4 BP-4 Tankmix 27 + 54 98 95 Metconazole  9 + 18 93 81 3 + 6 49 45

Example 18

[0207] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-4+AP-4 (1 day residual) against Uncinula necator on vines

[0208] The tank mixes were obtained from technical material of BP-4 and AP-4. The active ingredients, the type of formulations, the observed and expected efficacies with different rates are given in Table XVIII: TABLE XVIII dose rate Observed Expected Compound Formulation (ppm) Efficacy Efficacy BP-4 TC 100% 8 42 4 43 2 9 1 28 0.5 21 0.25 0 AP-4 TC 100% 1 76 0.5 76 0.25 50 0.12 32 0.06 7 0.03 13 BP-4 Tank mix 8 + 1 88 86 AP-4   4 + 0.5 91 87   2 + 0.25 85 79   1 + 0.12 89 83  0.5 + 0.06 88 81 0.25 + 0.03 79 76

[0209] B Field Tests

Example 19

[0210] Fungicidal efficacy of the mixture of BP-1+metconazole in the field against the sugar beet disease Cercospora beticola

[0211] The tank mix was obtained from a SC formulation containing 100 g of BP-1 per liter and a SL formulation containing 60 g of metconazole per liter. The observed and expected efficacies are given in Table XIX TABLE XIX dose rate g/ha BP-1 metconazole Observed Efficacy Expected Efficacy 250 0 42.5 —  0 90 58 — 250 90 85.4 75.9 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fungicidal composition comprising from about 0.1 to 99.9 percent by weight of synergistically effective amounts of (a) at least one benzophenone of formula I

 wherein R¹ represents a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkanoyloxy or alkoxy group; or a hydroxy group, R² represents a halogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group, R³ independently represents a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl or alkoxy group or a nitro group; m is 0 or an integer of 1 to 3; R⁴ represents a halogen atom, a cyano, carboxy, hydroxy or nitro group or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl or amino group; R⁵ represents an optionally substituted alkyl group; R⁶ represents a halogen atom or a nitro group, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, aryloxy group; R⁷ independently represents a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy group; and n is 0 or 1; and (b) at least one fungicidally active compound selected from a strobilurine derivative, wherein the ratio by weight of an (a) to (b) compound is from about 100:1 to 1:100; together with from about 99.9 to 0.1 percent by weight of a fungicidally acceptable carrier and/or surface active agent therefor.
 2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the benzophenone is a compound of formula IA,

Wherein R¹ represents a halogen atom, a methyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy or hydroxy group; R² represents a halogen atom or a methyl group;
 3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the benzophenone of the formula I is selected from the group consisting of 6′-butoxy-2,6-dichloro-4′,5′-dimethoxy-2′-methylbenzophenone; 2,6-dichloro-4′,5′-dimethoxy-6′-( 2-fluorobenzyloxy)-2′-methylbenzophenone; 6′-benzyloxy-4′,5′-dimethoxy-2,6-dimethyl-2′-methylbenzophenone; 5-bromo-2′,6-dimethyl-2,4′,5′, 6′-tetramethoxybenzophenone; and 2,6-dichloro-2′-methyl-4′,5′, 6′-trimethoxybenzophenone.
 4. A composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor of group (A) is selected from fenarimol, fenpropimorph, fenpropidine, spiroxamine, triforine, cyproconazole, epoxiconazole, flusilazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, tebuconazole, triadimefon and tridimenol.
 5. A composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor of group (A) is metconazole.
 6. A composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strobilurine derivative group (B) is selected from azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl and trifloxystrobin.
 7. A composition as claimed in claim 1, which comprises one compound of formula I, one strobilurine compound selected from group (B) and one ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor of group (A), or one compound of formula I and two different compounds of group (D).
 8. A composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the melanin biosynthesis inhibitor of group (C) is selected from capropamid, chlobenthiazone, diclocymet, pyroquilon, phthalide, tricyclazole and AC
 382042. 9. A composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the azolopyrimidine of group (E) is a compound of formula IIA,

Wherein R⁸ represents an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or haloalkyl group, and R⁹ represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group; or R⁸ and R⁹ together form an optionally substituted alkylene group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms in the main chain, in which one CH₂ group may be replaced by O, S or NH; L¹, L² and L³ each independently represent a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁₋₄ alkoxy group, at least one of which represents a halogen atom; and Hal denotes a halogen atom.
 10. A composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein Hal represents a chlorine atom, L¹ represents a fluorine atom; L² represents a hydrogen or fluorine atom or a methoxy group and L³ represents a fluorine or chlorine atom.
 11. A composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the azolopyrimidine of formula II is selected from the group consisting of 5-chloro-6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-7-(cyclopropylamino)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine; 5-chloro-6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-7-(4-methylpiperid-1-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine; 5-chloro-6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-7-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine; and 5-chloro-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-7-[2-(1,1,1-trifluoro)propylamino ]-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine.
 12. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio (by weight) of the (a) benzophenone of formula I to the (b) fungicidally active compound is from 10:1 to 1:10.
 13. A composition according to claim 12, wherein the ratio (by weight) of the (a) benzophenone of formula I to the (b) fungicidally active compound is from 5:1 to 1:5.
 14. A method of controlling plant diseases or the growth of fungi at a locus which comprises applying to the locus a composition according to claim 1 at a dose rate of the (a) and (b) compound from about 0.01 to 10 kg/ha.
 15. A method of controlling plant diseases or the growth of powdery mildew at a locus which comprises applying to the locus a composition of claim 1 at a dose rate of the (a) and (b) compound from about 0.01 to 10 kg/ha. 